Maintenance or Service Required Indicators

Service Required

These are Maintenance or Service Required Indicators symbols. In most cases, these symbols are used only as a reminder that routine maintenance is needed, such as an oil change, although the car on the lift (below) could suggest a more serious problem. Note immediately that some manufacturers use the image of a vehicle with the wrench inside to indicate an electrical problem! Click here for more, particularly if the vehicle is not operating properly.

• But first, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on below.
• Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page or Text Symbol page and scan again!

Car on a Lift

Note that some manufacturers use the car on in the air or on the lift symbol to indicate that one of the vehicle’s systems has failed and needs repair. In a case like this, another symbol associated with the actual system will be shown as well.

Text and Other Versions

All routine services in a vehicle with an internal combustion engine start with a change of the engine oil and filter. The text symbol Oil Change used by some manufacturers says it in the simplest way possible, while the text MAINT REQD may be used to mean the very same thing while implying more. The last one is rather cryptic, showing a pan shape with a drop of oil above it.

However, if there is additional text shown identifying trouble with a specific vehicle system, contact your dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible.

Red Triangles

These red triangles indicate the approach or the passing of a Service Interval. The required service may be a common oil change or something more important such as a transmission service. The first is a single triangle, which may appear in red or yellow/amber/orange. It indicates the approach of a service interval. The second adds another triangle inside the first. It indicates the service is past due and may also appear in red or yellow/amber/orange.

Wrenches or Spanners

In many European vehicles, a simple wrench (spanner) image will be displayed temporarily as a service interval approaches. It will likely be in gray scale, but may also be seen in yellow/amber/orange.

Note that if you see a wrench or spanner in red, it indicates a serious powertrain problem.

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The information on this website is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.